ISWG: Why I Keep Redeeming the Difficult Character

Photo by Stephan H. on Unsplash

 

Have you ever had a person—who you thought was the worst—surprise you? It seems to be a recurring theme in my life. As a child, I had a neighbor who tormented my sister and me, but when someone else tried to punch me at the bus stop, she stood up for me when no one else did.

Or when I taught overseas, a difficult co-worker was the person who did the most for the orphans living on the streets.

All this is to say that the difficult people in our lives often surprise us, so that’s why when I create antagonists, I try hard not to make cardboard villains.

 

Finding the Heart in the Antagonist

If you don’t already know, I am a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a community of authors who share monthly about the creative life. It’s a place to be earnest about our hurdles and celebrate our small victories together.

 

This month’s question: Do you have a favorite character archetype you tend to gravitate toward in your writing?

 

For me, that archetype is that the bad guy (or girl) tends to get redeemed by the end. 

 

Beyond the Josie Pye's of this World

In my forthcoming book, I was interested in exploring a Josie Pye-type character. In Green Gables, Josie is just a foil for Anne, the person who dares her to get up on the roof, taunts her at school, and fawns over Gilbert to make Anne jealous. 

 

“Josie is a Pye,” said Marilla sharply, “so she can’t help being disagreeable. I suppose people of that kind serve some useful purpose in society, but I must say I don’t know what it is any more than I know the use of thistles.”

–L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

 

As a reader, Josie left me with a lot of questions. Why is she so proud and mean to Anne? I have to disagree with Marilla here. Being born in a certain family doesn’t determine your temperament or your future. So, I gave my antagonist a reason she is who she is, and I was really gratified when an early reader said my antagonist was her favorite character—she kept trying to figure out whether she was good or bad.

 

Why Hope Matters for the Difficult Child

 

As a writer for kids, I think writing well-developed antagonists is so important. In schools and families, sometimes the difficult child gets labeled as a problem. And it is a heavy burden to feel like you are never going to be anyone’s idea of a hero. But if kids read a story where the antagonist can change, where they see that one mistake doesn’t make a whole person, perhaps that may give them hope. So, although I don’t normally like origin stories of how antagonists went bad, I love stories where the antagonists turn good.

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

 

What about you? Is there a type of archetype you like to read or write about? 

 

 

Celebrating 15 Years and Exciting News

Happy 15th Birthday to Insecure Writer’s Group! I made my first post on March 4, 2014. I have had a couple of years in there where I took a break from blogging when life got crazy, but this group has been my online writer’s support group for some time. I am so grateful for your encouragement, warmth, and kindness, and I cherish all your comments each month. I don’t have a book out—yet—but I am starting a monthly newsletter, Tea and Tails.

The first edition comes out this Friday. You can expect a little bit of writing encouragement, some highlights from what I’m reading, and some cute moments with Max. I’d love for you to join me. My free gift, an Anne read-alike list, also includes a short teaser about my debut. 

So the big news is that I have started an imprint and will be releasing my first book next year! Stay tuned. (Of course, Tea and Tails readers will be the first to hear updates.

 

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

Max’s take 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

People think I'm ferocious, but I really have a soft heart. We need more books about difficult dogs who are really sweethearts like me.

 

I'm so grateful to be part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group community. 

A special thank you to this month's wonderful co-hosts: 

Kate Larkinsdale, SE White, JS Pailly, Olga Godim, and Natalie Aguirre!  

You can join us here.